HAND-written lyrics and gold discs are just some of the memorabilia which will be on display when the Gerry Rafferty exhibition opens in his hometown of Paisley today.

The exhibition is in honour of the work of songwriter Rafferty who never forgot his Paisley roots.

Bring it all Home: The Exhibition will feature items from Gerry's career - from gold discs and guitars to hand-written lyrics featured in his biggest hits.

Gerry is often hailed as one of Scotland's greatest-ever songwriters and the exhibition is expected to attract interest from around the UK and abroad, given the worldwide fanbase of the man best-known for iconic songs such as Baker Street and Right Down the Line.

He also co-wrote the hit Stuck in the Middle With You during his time with the band Stealers Wheel.

Many of the artefacts have been loaned to Paisley Museum by Gerry's daughter Martha who helped curate the exhibition in her father's memory.

Martha said: "My father's home town meant a huge deal to him and helped inspire a lot of his work, so it is fitting to be able to hold this event here in Paisley.

"There remains a huge deal of interest in his music from his fanbase throughout the UK and abroad and I hope they will find plenty to interest them in the exhibition."

Gerry died in January 2011 of liver failure. He was 63. Also on show will be original artwork from Gerry's close friend and fellow Paisley Buddie John Byrne, who designed many of his album covers - while work by the artist from Renfrewshire Council's own collection will also feature.

The free-to-enter exhibition will run at Paisley Museum until May 18 and will coincide with an eight-day music festival in April inspired by Gerry's legacy.

Bring it all Home is being organised and promoted by Renfrewshire Council and is taking place as part of Scotland's Year of the Homecoming 2014.

Renfrewshire Council leader, Mark Macmillan, said: "Bring it all Home is a celebration of the life and work of one of Paisley's best-loved sons.

"We are delighted to be able to host the exhibition and festival and are ready to welcome the visitors we expect them to attract. We would also like to thank Martha Rafferty and John Byrne for their generous contribution to the event."

Bring it all Home: The Festival takes place from April 11 to 19 and includes a celebration of Gerry's music featuring Martha and many of his friends from the music world, such as Rab Noakes, Barbara Dickson and Eddi Reader.

The gig - at Paisley Town Hall on Wednesday, April 16 - sold out within three hours of tickets going on sale last month.

The festival will also include appearances from Hamish Stuart from Average White Band, Midge Ure, James Grant, Karine Polwart and Kathryn Williams as well as an international concert and a series of free songwriting masterclasses.

stef.lach@heraldandtimes.co.uk